Churches and faithful attacked in Central Sulawesi
by Mathias Hariyadi

Terror and violence is still existing in Central Sulawesi, as fresh violence and terror rock the Protestant Immanuel Church in the provincial capital of Palu, Monday (12 Dec) at 07.20 PM local time (09.20 Jakarta time). The blast happened and rocked the front door of the church as its congregation are still attending Sunday's evening service when unknown assailant on motorcycle suddenly throw the bomb. The attacker who was believed to be only one had previously shot the leg of Bintin Jaya, the church's security guard.

At least 200 Christians left the church in a rush, leaving the service led by Rev Erna Lagarence was in jeopardy. These panic Christians attending the Sunday's service are mostly from Poso who had take refuge from the war-toren city to the provincial capital of Palu. 

Another fresh violence also took place almost at the same time in Palu's Christian Protestant Anugerah. A number of Poso Christians congregations who were inside the church for service became the victim of shooting out by unknown attackers. Two Christians were rushed to local Christian hospital as they suffered from shoot wounds. Nofri who was shot in the head is in critical condition, while Retna –another Christian congregation—suffers only minor injuries.

Central Police Chief Brigadier Gen Aryanto Sutadi rushed to the scene to investigate the case, but decline to give further comments about the motives.